Greek farmers persist in fourth week of protests over delayed EU subsidies

Greek farmers continued their demonstrations for a fourth consecutive week on December 22, protesting delays in EU subsidy payments and other grievances.

In central Greece, farmers at the Nikaia roadblock near Larissa plan to relocate to the Tempe tunnel complex along the Athens–Thessaloniki highway, where they intend to halt truck traffic from 11:30 a.m. for five hours. Private vehicles and buses will be permitted to pass, Ekathimerini reports.

Protesters have emphasized their commitment to minimizing disruption for holiday travelers, arranging their tractors strategically at the Nikaia junction to allow uninterrupted passage for private cars.

Meanwhile, in western Thessaly, farmers in Karditsa announced that starting December 23, they will leave one lane open in each direction on the E-65 highway to facilitate traffic during the holiday period.

Authorities anticipate that the blockades will resume after the holiday lull, as farmers have rejected offers from Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to enter into negotiations, showing little willingness to compromise.

By Vafa Guliyeva